Health professionals for Depression in the Northern suburbs of Athens

Η Αγγελική Μουσταφά Μήτση και η Σωτηρία Τούντα είναι βραβευμένες Ψυχολόγοι - Ψυχοθεραπεύτριες και εδρεύουν στη Νέα Ερυθραία. Η Μουσταφά - Μήτση Αγγελική είναι πτυχιούχος Ψυχολογίας του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και κάτοχος δύο Μεταπτυχιακών τίτλων: “Family and Human Development” (MSc) από το Arizona State University της Αμερικής και στο “HRM” (MSc) από το AUEB. Έχει λάβει τετραετή εκπαίδευση που την πιστοποιεί ως ψυχοθεραπεύτρια στην Συνθετική προσέγγιση από το Ευρωπαϊκό Ινστιτούτο Συνθετικής Ψυχοθεραπείας (EIIP). Έχει επιπλέον επιμορφωθεί στο Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών στη Συμβουλευτική´ και Θεραπεία Ζεύγους και Οικογένειας και στην Παιδοψυχολογία. Διαθέτει πολυετή επαγγελματική εμπειρία με όλες τις ηλικιακές ομάδες. Είναι μέχρι και σήμερα Ψυχολόγος στην Ψυχιατρική Κλινική "Σινούρη", και έχει διατελέσει στο παρελθόν Ψυχολόγος και στο ΕΠΑΨΥ. Είναι εξειδικευμένη στην Συνθετική, Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφοριστική, Συστημική Ψυχοθεραπεία και στην Κλινικη Ψυχοθεραπεία, βάση της επαγγελματικής της πορείας. Είναι μέλος του Συλλόγου Ελλήνων Ψυχολόγων και του British Psychological Society. 

Η Σωτηρία Τούντα είναι Ψυχολόγος, απόφοιτη του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και κάτοχος Μεταπτυχιακού της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών, με κατάρτιση σε σύγχρονες κλινικές θεωρίες και πρακτικές της Ψυχικής Υγείας. Έχει εκπαιδευτεί στη χορήγηση και ερμηνεία προβολικών δοκιμασιών (TAT, CAT) και στο Παιδικό Ιχνογράφημα, εφαρμόζοντάς τα στη δυναμική αξιολόγηση παιδιών, εφήβων και ενηλίκων. Η κλινική της εμπειρία περιλαμβάνει το Παιδοψυχιατρικό Τμήμα του Νοσοκομείου Παίδων Πεντέλης, καθώς και τα Εξωτερικά Ιατρεία, τις Γενικές Εφημερίες και το Ειδικό Ιατρείο Νευροψυχιατρικών Νοσημάτων του Αιγινητείου Νοσοκομείου, όπου συμμετείχε σε διαδικασίες διαγνωστικής αξιολόγησης και παρακολούθησης περιστατικών.

Παράλληλα, έχει παρακολουθήσει κύκλους ψυχαναλυτικής και λακανικής εκπαίδευσης, συμπεριλαμβανομένων σεμιναρίων της Νέας Λακανικής Σχολής – Ακαδημίας Κλινικών Σπουδών Αθήνας, ενώ η πρακτική της στο ΕΠΨΥ πραγματοποιήθηκε υπό λακανική εποπτεία. Η προσέγγισή της εστιάζει στη βαθιά κατανόηση της εσωτερικής εμπειρίας και των σχέσεων, με συνέπεια και σταθερή θεραπευτική παρουσία. Παρέχει ψυχοδυναμική υποστήριξη σε ενήλικες, εφήβους και παιδιά.

Kypraiou Areti is a Psychologist with a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She specializes in individual and group psychotherapy, family therapy, couples counseling, and adolescent counseling. Additionally, she coordinates parent groups. She completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Psychology and Counseling at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Subsequently, she received training in Parent Group Coordination at the Panhellenic Association of Parent Schools (a member of the International Federation for Parent Education - Fédération Internationale pour l'Éducation des Parents), with which she collaborates. She continues her education through specialized seminars on various topics related to individual therapy. Finally, she frequently delivers lectures and seminars for parents, adolescents, and educators, contributes articles to newspapers, and serves as a scientific collaborator for websites concerning psychology and child-rearing issues.

Makridi Eugenia is a Psychologist trained in Gestalt Psychotherapy and maintains a private practice in Chalandri. She has completed the Synthetic Counseling program at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling (K.E.PSY.SY) and continued her studies at the University of Derby, where she obtained a degree in Applied Psychology. She is currently completing her diploma thesis on Autism and Gestalt therapy at the Gestalt Foundation, where she is training in Gestalt Psychotherapy. Her professional experience includes individual psychotherapy sessions in her private practice, as well as collaborations with mental health organizations and educational institutions. At present, she works as a child psychologist at the Ergotherapy for Kids center and the Scientific Play Institute. In the past, she has provided psychotherapy services at the e-therapy of the Gestalt Foundation, as well as mental health counseling at the Roots Wellness Center. Additionally, she has coordinated parent groups within a school setting, supporting communication and parental roles, and has conducted experiential workshops for adolescents and adults on topics such as management of exam anxiety, non-violent communication, among others. Furthermore, she has attended seminars on Play Therapy, Music and Psychomotor Education, and Music Therapy.

Empeoglou Varvara holds a Professional Practice License, a degree in Psychology from the University of Essex, and a postgraduate degree in Applied Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Lancashire. She has certified training in Group Analytical Psychotherapy, Couples and Family Counseling, as well as the international four-year postgraduate program at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Systemic, Dialogical, and Narrative Approaches, focusing her therapeutic practice on postmodern forms of psychotherapy. Additionally, she possesses certifications in brief therapeutic interventions such as Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Narrative Therapy. These approaches, with their practical and immediately applicable nature, complement long-term therapy by facilitating small, actionable steps of change that empower the therapeutic process. Her clinical experience includes internship at Sismanoglio Hospital, in the Adult Psychiatric Clinic and the Eating Disorders Unit, as well as collaborations with clinics, care and rehabilitation units, specialized therapy centers, and mental health centers. Currently, she works as a Clinical Psychologist in a group of elder care units and maintains a private practice in Nea Erythraia, providing psychotherapeutic support to adults, adolescents, couples, families, as well as parent counseling. Concurrently, she actively participates in scientific conferences, seminars, and workshops, enhancing her therapeutic practice with insights from the continuous advancement of science.

Saranti Natalia is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, licensed to practice, and maintains a private practice in Neo Psychiko. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Psychology from the American College of Greece (Deree College) as well as from the Open University of the United Kingdom. Subsequently, she obtained a postgraduate diploma (MSc) in Counseling Psychology and Psychotherapy from the American College of Greece. Her clinical experience includes adult psychotherapy in both private and public settings. As part of her practical training, she worked at the Counseling Center of the American College of Greece, providing short-term psychotherapy to students. She also worked at the Municipal Clinics of the City of Athens (1st Polydynamic Center - Kalfopouleio Health Center and 6th Polydynamic Center of Kypseli), offering psychotherapeutic services to residents of various ages. Concurrently, she served as a coordinator for psychotherapeutic as well as psychoeducational groups in the Municipal Clinics, as well as in Friendship Clubs. With the outbreak of the pandemic, she volunteered in the "Talk to Me" initiative, offering telephone sessions to individuals in need. Additionally, she has expanded her knowledge and experience in supporting children with psychosocial difficulties. She has attended seminar series on psychotherapy for children, as well as a two-year training program in Child Psychodrama, a therapeutic method based on play. For the past four years, she has worked in a private school providing shadow teaching support to primary and secondary school students with learning and psychosocial difficulties. In her private practice, she provides psychotherapy to adults and children, both in Greek and English, following an integrative psychotherapy approach that draws elements from various distinct therapeutic approaches, aiming to individualize therapeutic intervention according to the personal needs of each client.

Karamitros Xristos BSc, MBA is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Neo Irakleio. He holds a degree in Psychology from Cardiff Metropolitan University and has completed postgraduate studies in Clinical Cognitive Neuropsychology at the University of Strasbourg. Concurrently, he continues training in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Institute of Education and Research in Systemic Psychotherapy "Logos Psychis". He has completed practical volunteer work at the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association. In his private practice, he offers a wide range of services, respecting the unique needs of each patient.

Iakovou Aleksandra is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist (MSc-CBT) who maintains a private practice in Nea Erythraia and collaborates with a psychotherapy center in downtown Athens. She studied Psychology at the University of Greenwich in England (BSc) and has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Additionally, she completed postgraduate studies in Health Psychology at the University of Lancashire in England. She has also completed the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. She completed her internship at "The Smile of the Child," where she provided psychological support to children up to 8 years old, as well as at "18 and Over," where she conducted sessions with individuals with eating disorders. Her focus is on the treatment of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, pain management, as well as enhancing self-confidence and changing behaviors that lead to the adoption of a balanced diet. Psychotherapy aids in self-recognition, as each person learns more about their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This is when the desired change begins.

Gkioka Nikolina is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Neo Psychiko. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. She has been trained for 4 years in the Gestalt psychotherapeutic method at the Gestalt Foundation and in EMDR Psychotherapy for trauma treatment at the Athens Trauma Therapy Institute. She has collaborated in various settings such as the telephone support line "Together for the Child" and the association K.E.F.I. (Association of Cancer Patients, Volunteers, Friends, and Doctors of Athens). She worked with the Hellenic National Association Against Epilepsy with patient groups and individual sessions, as well as with visits to epilepsy clinics in hospitals. Additionally, she has worked as a Psychologist at the 1st General Lyceum of Galatsi and as a trainer Psychologist at the Lifelong Learning Centers of the Municipality of Athens and in Parenting Schools. Currently, she practices privately in Neo Psychiko, where she provides services as a psychotherapist for adults, adolescents, and children and as a coordinator of adult therapeutic groups and experiential workshops.

Dr. Maria Livanou, PhD, MSc, Senior Lecturer, is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist specializing in child and adolescent therapy, with a particular emphasis on the psychodynamic approach. She has an academic background in the United States and the United Kingdom and holds an academic post at King’s College London (KCL). Her research focuses on child and adolescent mental health.

Her therapeutic approach is primarily grounded in psychodynamic therapy, aiming to understand deeper emotional processes and relationship patterns. At the same time, it remains individualized and holistic, responding to the unique needs of each child, adolescent, adult, and family.

During sessions, parental counselling and parent therapy are offered—from pregnancy through the early years of the child—along with support for families during early parenthood. Discussions may include topics related to early child development and the parent–infant relationship. She places particular emphasis on addressing communication difficulties, enhancing psychological well-being, building self-confidence, and improving social relationships.

She works with a wide range of issues concerning childhood and adolescence, including:

• Anxiety and anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic attacks)
• Phobias, separation anxiety, and attachment issues
• Depressive mood, depression, social withdrawal
• Adjustment difficulties and emotional distress
• Psychosomatic symptom
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulties in communication and social relationships, family conflicts, and adaptation to change (e.g., divorce)
• Grief and loss management
• Eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns
• School-related difficulties, academic stress, and performance anxiety
• Issues of identity, self-image, and adolescent development
• Conduct problems, anger management difficulties, delinquent behavior
• Family counselling and therapy
• Neurodevelopmental difficulties (e.g., autism, ADHD)
• Trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), developmental trauma, and adverse childhood experiences

Ο Οικονομίδης Απόστολος είναι Ψυχολόγος – Ψυχοθεραπευτής και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Νέο Ψυχικό. Είναι κάτοχος πτυχίου Ψυχολογίας από το Αμερικανικό Κολλέγιο Ελλάδος και το Open University της Αγγλίας και μετέπειτα έλαβε διετή ειδίκευση στη Θεραπεία Συμπεριφοράς Διαταραχών Άγχους, Ιδεοψυχαναγκαστικής και Μετατραυματικής Διαταραχής στο Ερευνητικό Πανεπιστημιακό Ινστιτούτο Ψυχικής Υγιεινής σε συνεργασία με την Α’ Ψυχιατρική Κλινική του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Επίσης, έχει παρακολουθήσει μονοετή μετεκπαιδευτικά προγράμματα στην Κλινική Ψυχοπαθολογία και τις Κλινικές Δεξιότητες από την Α΄ Ψυχιατρική Κλινική του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών σε συνεργασία με την Ελληνική Ψυχιατρική Εταιρεία. Στο παρελθόν συνεργάστηκε με το Ιατρείο Θεραπείας Συμπεριφοράς καθώς και με τη Μονάδα Θεραπείας Συμπεριφοράς του Ελληνικού Κέντρου Ψυχικής Υγιεινής και Ερευνών, όπου αντιμετώπισε ψυχοθεραπευτικά ως επί το πλείστον περιστατικά αγχωδών και συναφών διαταραχών (διαταραχή πανικού, αγοραφοβία, γενικευμένο άγχος, ιδεοψυχαναγκαστική διαταραχή, κ.α). Συμμετέχει σταθερά σε ομάδες εποπτείας ψυχολόγων, ενώ έχει εμπειρία στην διοργάνωση ψυχοεκπαιδευτικών ομάδων με έμφαση στις δεξιότητες διαχείρισης ψυχοπιεστικών καταστάσεων.

Mparlou Klea BSc, MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Cholargos and serves as a Supervisor of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Westminster and a master's degree in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy from Goldsmiths College - University of London. Additionally, she has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for patients with Eating Disorders and in Dialectical Behavior Therapy for patients with Borderline Personality Disorder at the 1st University Psychiatric Clinic of Aiginiteio Hospital. Furthermore, she received training in Behavioral Interventions for the management of somatic symptoms from the Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research. She has worked as a Scientific Collaborator at the RECBT - Hellenic Institute of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy and as a Psychologist at the Athens Alzheimer Association. Finally, she has served as a Teaching Psychologist in the Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy program at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy & Counseling (KEPSYSY). In her private practice, she offers a wide range of services, respecting the unique needs of each individual patient.

Saliverou Elisavet is a Psychologist - Psychoeducator - Psychotherapist, holding a Master's degree (MSc) in Counseling Psychology (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Excellence Scholarship), with studies in Psychology, Education (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens), and Social Work (University of West Attica). She has been trained in Systemic – Family Psychotherapy and maintains a private Counseling – Psychotherapy practice. Simultaneously, she is responsible for the Counseling Service and social initiatives of HEN Athens and coordinates educational and psychoeducational programs for children, adolescents, adults, and parents. She has collaborated with organizations such as ELIZA, the "Together for the Child" hotline, SOS Children's Villages, and the Social Psychiatry Company P. Sakellaropoulos. She applies an integrative therapeutic approach (Systemic, Psychoanalytic, Narrative, Art Therapy) to various mental health issues of children, adolescents, and adults.

Zamanidis Giorgos is a Psychologist - Existential Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Lykovrysi. He completed his studies at the Department of Psychology of Panteion University and has trained in Existential Psychotherapy through his four-year attendance at the Hellenic Society of Existential Psychology, "gígnesthai". He holds a diploma in Family and Couple Therapy within the Systemic Psychotherapeutic Approach, in which he was trained in 2022. He also holds a diploma in training in Neuro-Linguistic Programming techniques (NLP Greece). He has conducted and continues his extensive clinical practice at the Society for Regional Development and Mental Health (E.P.A.PSY.) in Marousi as a Clinical Psychologist and Existential Psychotherapist. In the past, as part of his practical training, he has participated in Pan-European Research on substance abuse among minor populations (ESPAD), as well as related initiatives in collaboration with the Substance Abuse Prevention Center (PRONOIA) in Kifissia. He completed his military service as a Psychologist in Cyprus, where he collaborated with psychologists and medical staff in the care of hundreds of soldiers. A significant part of his training is influenced by the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapeutic Approach, which he acquired under supervision over recent years. Currently, he serves as a Trainee Trainer at the Hellenic Society of Existential Psychology, "gígnesthai".

Anagnostou Maria Kai Synergates is a Psychologist, Psychotherapist, and Clinical Supervisor. She maintains a private practice in Halandri. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. She has completed her training in Synthetic Psychotherapy at the Athens Synthesis Centre. Additionally, she has attended psychology seminars in Clinical Psychology, Psychodynamic Therapy, and other approaches.

Panagiotou Maria - Anna is a Psychologist (BSc) and Psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy. She graduated from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a professional practice license valid nationwide (License No: 1401991). She has worked as a Psychologist at the Elderly Care Unit "Rodi" in Filothei, as well as an external collaborator in a Medical Clinic and an English tutoring center to support employees and students. Additionally, she has volunteered in various settings, including public elderly care units and telephone support platforms. She has been trained in the Behavioral-Cognitive approach (higher education) at KEPSYSY in areas such as anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, psychosomatic disorders, depression, traumatic experiences, relationship issues, and has specialized in the non-pharmacological management of geriatric issues and caregivers, including dementia, grief, and anxiety at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She works with both adults and adolescents on family matters, crisis management, school performance, and violence-related issues. Her approach is based, among others, on the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy model by Ellis, Beck's Cognitive Therapy model, as well as Meichenbaum's Cognitive-Behavioral Modification. Finally, the specialist is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society (SEPS). Guided by empathy, authenticity, and scientific practices, individuals will progressively be able to manage life situations effectively. For optimal service provision, she is supervised and participates in personal psychotherapy.

Vlaxakis Ioannis is a Psychiatrist practicing privately in Ampelokipoi since 2007. He is a graduate of the Medical School of Democritus University of Thrace and has completed a 5-year specialization in Psychiatry at the Psychiatric Clinic of the General Hospital of Thoracic Diseases of Athens "Sotiria". Additionally, he collaborates with the Psychiatric Clinic "Galini" and is a member of SOS Doctors, having conducted over a thousand home visits and managed cases spanning the entire spectrum of psychiatric pathology, many of which were acute and emergency situations. Finally, the doctor specializes in the treatment of conditions such as depression, dementia, and anxiety and is a member of the Athens Medical Association.